The Legend of Thunderfoot by Bill Wallace Page B

just what he needed, then returned to the shade of the rocks on the high knoll. Speedette joined him, then Agile’eka and Brisk. Rocket camewaddling in, stuffed clear to his head crest. He was so full he could barely walk.
    The crows left during the heat of the day. All five roadrunners rested in the shade. As it started to cool, Thunder and Brisk walked to the cattails for a drink. The water was warm, but it tasted good.
    Rocket came trotting down about the time they started up the hill. “I ate too much,” he groaned. He took a sip of water, then another. “Let’s run or something. My tummy doesn’t feel too good.”
    â€œMaybe you need to rest instead,” Brisk suggested.
    Rocket preened his wing feathers with his beak. “Nah. I need some exercise. Tell you what. I’ll race you around the lake. Bet I can win.”
    With that he flapped his wings and ran in place. His feet moved so fast it sounded like a buzz on the sand instead of thumping footsteps. “Sure,” Brisk said, shrugging his wings. “How about around that big cottonwood tree at the end of the cattails, across the dam, and back to the girls?”
    â€œHow about you, Thunderfoot?” Rocket called as Thunder strolled back toward the rocks.
    Thunderfoot felt his head crest rise. His feet clinched the sand. Then he took a deep breath and forced himself to relax. “No, thanks,” he answeredcalmly. “Think I’ll rest a few more minutes instead.”
    â€œAh, come on,” Rocket chided. “You’re not scared of losing, are you?”
    Thunder ignored him and kept walking. “Maybe later,” he said.
    From the rocks, Thunder and the girls watched the race. Rocket led most of the way. But just after they crossed the dam, he had to stop and throw up. Thunder knew it was because he’d drunk too much water after overeating. Brisk was sitting comfortably in the shade when Rocket finally got back.
    Feathers bristling and walking stiff-legged, he stomped up the hill toward them. “I want a rematch,” he demanded.
    Brisk shook his head. “Not now. I’m tired.”
    Still bristled up, Rocket turned to Thunder. “How about you . . .” He hesitated, looking down at Thunder’s feet. “ . . . Fatfoot?” Then, pretending it was just a slip of the tongue, he added, “Sorry, I meant Thunder . . . foot.”
    Thunder glared up at him. He could see the smirk on Rocket’s yellow lips behind the sharp beak. If you’re nice to them, they’ll be nice to you. Agile’eka’s words seemed to echo in his ears. Just give them a chance. As far as Thunder wasconcerned, Rocket had had his chance. He couldn’t decide whether to hop up and kick the snot out of him with his big feet or . . .
    He eased up. Smiled. “Any time you’re ready.”

Chapter 13
    Rocket got a head start. He ran first, then yelled, “Go!”
    It caught Thunder off guard. It made him mad. But as he chased after Rocket, the anger turned toward himself. He should have expected it from a bird like Rocket. He should have been ready.
    They raced up the bank of the dry streambed. There were fallen branches and thick brush near the water. Thunder tripped a couple of times, but he didn’t fall. Still, by the time they crossed the stream and started up the far side, he was way behind.
    Once on the soft sand, with nothing to stumble over, he started gaining. He’d never run so hard in his life. Never wanted anything more badly than he wanted to beat this loudmouthed, obnoxious bird.
    Thunder’s nose was almost touching Rocket’s tail when they reached the rocks and boulders that formed the dam. There he fell behind once more. His stupid feet slipped and stumbled on the uneven surface. He hated his feet!
    Once on the sand he gained quickly. The sound of his heart pounded inside his head. It was almost as loud as the